RPS Launches New Crossing Guard Pilot Program

In partnership with Richmond City Safe Routes to Schools, Richmond Public Schools has launched a new crossing guard program aimed at ensuring students and parents feel safe, supported, and welcomed as they arrive and depart from school.

The program will provide crossing guards to eleven schools and traffic monitors to three schools this year. Schools were selected based on the number of students walking to and from school and the safety needs of school communities.

“While the focus is on the safety of our students and families, we are also very intentional about creating safe and loving school environments through this pilot,” said RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras. “Each crossing guard from the program works at that school, so they are already familiar with the school community, which empowers them to continue to build on their relationships with students and families.”

The comprehensive pilot provides training, supplies, uniforms, and a stipend for each crossing guard.

Outside of this program, Richmond City Safe Routes to Schools also organizes the RPS Walk to School Day and the RPS Bike to School Day, encouraging families and communities to make walking and biking to school a safe and convenient activity.

“We’re so excited about this program because it creates safe routes for our families and it builds community and a culture of love and safety for RPS students,” said Tara FitzPatrick, Safe Routes to School Coordinator with Greater Richmond Fit4Kids. “It is our hope to see this program grow in the coming years and for even more students to enjoy walking and biking to school each day.”